15. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has formed an estimate of the extent to which the increased demand for electricity and gas in the Northern Region is due to the change over in industry from coal to gas and electricity and to the domestic consumer no longer being able to order coal without restriction, respectively.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI have no reason to think that there has been a greater change-over in industry in the North-East from coal to electricity and gas than there has been in other regions. Between 1946 and 1950, the electricity supplied to industry generally, including the coke ovens, is estimated to have increased by 33 per cent.; the gas by 29 per cent.; and the coal by 8 per cent. In the same period a substantial substitution of oil for coal has taken place.
Between the same years, the electricity supplied to domestic consumers in the country as a whole is estimated to have increased by 30 per cent., the gas by 8 per cent., and the coal by 4 per cent. Much of the additional electricity and gas was used for purposes for which coal would not have served.
Miss WardIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in the North of England where we really do depend upon coal for domestic heat, the fact that the coal has not been available under nationalisation has increased the demand for electricity and gas, and has made our position with regard to electricity cuts very serious indeed?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI do not admit that that is the major cause of the electricity cuts in the North-Eastern area. I have discussed this frequently with the hon. Member. The broad fact is that the general demand for fuel and power in all forms is increasing very quickly.